Brooklyn Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks Picks and Predictions October 27th 2024

The Milwaukee Bucks (-417) will travel to Brooklyn to take on the Nets (+330) in an Eastern Conference matchup. The Bucks are favored by 9.5 points and the over/under line is set at 231.5. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 ET at the Barclays Center.

Through two games, the Nets are still searching for their first win of the season. They’ll have their hands full against a Bucks team that is 1-1 and looking to bounce back from a loss to the Celtics.

Bucks vs. Nets Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Milwaukee Bucks at Brooklyn Nets
• Where: Brooklyn at Barclays Center
• Date: Sunday, October 27th
• Betting Odds MIL -9.5, MIL -417 | BKN +330 O/U 231.5

The Bucks Can Win If…

The Bucks fell to 1-1 on the season after a 133-122 loss to the Bulls on Friday. Milwaukee, who were -9.5 point favorites at home, not only lost but failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 255.5 went well over the pre-game line of 234.5.

Milwaukee led 32-30 after the 1st quarter, but Chicago edged them 33-32 in the 2nd. The Bulls then took control in the 3rd, outscoring the Bucks 39-31. A 10-0 run by Chicago in the 4th, extending the score from 102-107 to 112-107, sealed the game as the Bucks couldn’t recover.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 38 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 65.2% from the field in their 133-122 loss to the Bulls. Damian Lillard added 28 points, with 13 coming in the opening quarter.

Milwaukee hit 13 threes at a 32.5% clip, while shooting 49.5% overall. Taurean Prince chipped in 11 points, hitting 71.4% of his shots.

Defensively, the Bucks struggled against the Bulls, giving up 133 points in the loss. Milwaukee allowed 30 points in the 1st quarter, 33 in the 2nd, and a game-high 39 in the 3rd. They gave up 31 points in the 4th.

The Bulls shot 47% from the field, including 44% from three-point range, hitting 21 threes. Chicago also went 20/23 from the free-throw line. The Bucks finished with 39 defensive rebounds, 5 steals, and 3 blocks.

• Through their last five road contests, the Bucks offense has averaged 108 points per game while allowing an average of 117. Milwaukee posted an overall record of 1-4 while going 2-3 ATS.
• Looking back on the team’s last three games as the favorite, the Bucks have a straight up record of 1-2. Their record vs the spread in these games was 1-2.
• Over their last three games, the Bucks have an over/under record of 3-0 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.

The Nets Can Win If…

The Nets dropped to 0-2 on the season after a 116-101 loss to the Magic on Friday. Brooklyn, who entered the game as +11.5 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The total score of 217 points narrowly exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 214.5.

Brooklyn went on a 12-0 run early in the game, but the Magic responded, outscoring the Nets 27-23 in the 2nd quarter and 32-25 in the 3rd. Heading into the 4th quarter down 81-71, the Nets couldn’t close the gap, as Orlando outscored them 35-30 in the final period.

Giannis Antetokounmpo put up 38 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 65.2% from the field in the Bucks’ 133-122 loss to the Bulls. Damian Lillard added 28 points, with 13 coming in the opening quarter.

Milwaukee shot 49.5% overall, but struggled from three, hitting just 32.5% with 13 makes. Lillard connected on 3 threes, shooting 25% from deep.

The Nets started strong defensively, holding the Magic to 22 points in the 1st quarter, but they struggled in the 2nd half, giving up 32 points in the 3rd and 35 in the 4th, leading to a 116-101 loss. Brooklyn allowed Orlando to shoot 52% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Magic hit 15 threes at a 50% clip. The Nets sent Orlando to the line 33 times, where they made 23 free throws. Brooklyn gave up 5 offensive rebounds while recording 7 steals and 3 blocks.

• Across their three previous home games, Brooklyn has an ATS mark of 1-2. Their straight up record in these matchups was 0-3 while averaging 101 points per game.
• Going back to their previous five games as the underdog, Brooklyn has an ATS mark of 2-3 while going 0-5 straight up.
• In their last five games, the Nets have an over/under record of 1-4 and are 1-4 vs. the spread.

The Lean

The Bucks is our selection to secure the victory, with a projected score of 146-110. We also like them to cover the spread, so we suggest betting on the Bucks at -9.5.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 231.5, and our model predicts the Bucks and Nets to score a combined 256 points. We recommend betting on the over.

Bucks Seek Defensive Stability Against Nets in Sunday Showdown

The Milwaukee Bucks, with superstar duo Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, head to Brooklyn on Sunday aiming to bounce back after a tough home loss. Despite big individual performances, the Bucks fell short against the Chicago Bulls, with issues in defense and consistency becoming key areas to address. Against the Brooklyn Nets, they’ll look to tighten up defensively and find a more cohesive offensive rhythm to avoid back-to-back losses.

Bucks’ Struggles in Consistency and Defense

In their season opener, the Bucks were firing on all cylinders, with six players scoring in double figures and a defense that held the Philadelphia 76ers to 41.8% shooting. However, Friday’s game against the Bulls exposed some weaknesses, especially in the second half. The Bucks allowed 70 points in the final two quarters, as their defense lapsed and offensive rhythm stalled. Head coach Doc Rivers emphasized the need for more fluid ball movement, which was missing on Friday. “We scored 122 and shot almost 50 percent, and we didn’t play offensively the way we should,” Rivers said, noting how stagnant offensive play took a toll on their defensive energy.

While Milwaukee’s offensive numbers are strong, there’s room for refinement. Giannis Antetokounmpo, a powerhouse on the floor, has struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 53.1% (17-for-32) across the first two games. Lillard, after a stellar opener, cooled off from long range against Chicago, going just 3-for-12 from beyond the arc. To contend with Brooklyn, the Bucks will need their stars in top form—and a defensive effort that spans all four quarters.

Nets Look to Avoid 0-3 Start Under New Head Coach Jordi Fernandez

Brooklyn returns home, hoping for a change in fortune as Jordi Fernandez makes his coaching debut at Barclays Center. The Nets have had trouble with fouls and turnovers, which have stifled their early-season momentum. Through two games, they’ve given up 42 points off turnovers and allowed a whopping 79 free-throw attempts to opponents. Coach Fernandez emphasized that the team is adjusting to the physical demands of the NBA pace. “Once we get there, (that’s) when you don’t make that many mistakes because you’re tired and so forth,” he said.

Cam Thomas has been a bright spot for Brooklyn, putting up an impressive 30 points per game in the opening two contests. However, the Nets will need stronger support across the roster and tighter defense to contend with Milwaukee. Dennis Schroder has added steady contributions, while Ben Simmons has faced challenges with foul trouble and turnovers, with five fouls in each game and a total of 10 turnovers. If Simmons can regain his rhythm, it would provide Brooklyn a much-needed boost on both ends of the court.

Key Factors to Watch in Sunday’s Matchup

1. Defensive Consistency for the Bucks:
Milwaukee’s second-half defensive breakdown against Chicago highlighted an area that will be crucial in this game. To sustain their dominance over Brooklyn, they’ll need to lock down defensively for a full game, especially against Brooklyn’s dynamic scorers.

2. Free-Throw Shooting and 3-Point Efficiency:
Antetokounmpo’s struggles at the free-throw line and Lillard’s cold shooting from 3-point range could make a difference if the game remains close. A solid shooting night from their stars would help Milwaukee establish a commanding lead.

3. Nets’ Turnovers and Foul Management:
Turnovers and fouls have plagued Brooklyn so far, giving opponents extra possessions and chances from the line. If the Nets can minimize mistakes and play a disciplined game, they’ll have a better shot at containing Milwaukee’s potent offense.

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Head-to-Head Momentum Favors the Bucks

Milwaukee has had the upper hand in recent matchups, winning the last five games and taking nine of the past 11 regular-season contests against the Nets since their epic Game 7 win in the 2021 playoffs. Maintaining this trend will require a more cohesive defensive effort and sharper offensive execution. For Brooklyn, Sunday’s game is an opportunity to find some footing and capture their first win under Fernandez’s guidance.

With both teams eyeing improvement, this matchup promises intensity and high stakes as the Bucks seek redemption and the Nets look to shake off their slow start.